Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or gender-affirming hormone therapy can be started at age 16 in some cases, but there are important factors to consider.
- Starting HRT under age 18 typically requires parental consent and evaluation by a medical professional who specializes in caring for transgender youth. The medical provider will assess physical and mental health to ensure HRT is appropriate.
- The World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidelines state that HRT may be started around age 16 based on individual factors like medical/mental health status, concrete plans to transition, family/social support, impact on educational/vocational future, etc.
- Early intervention is sometimes deemed medically necessary for dysphoria relief and optimal transition results over time. However, the medical consensus is to take great care with HRT in adolescents.
- Common regimens for transfeminine youth are estrogen in modest doses (especially 17β-estradiol), often with anti-androgens like spironolactone to suppress testosterone. For transmasculine youth, testosterone therapy can be carefully administered via injection, transdermal gel, or patch.
I aimed to provide a balanced overview of the key considerations around starting HRT under age 18. The decision involves assessing many factors unique to each youth's situation and goals. Close medical guidance is imperative to ensure healthy outcomes. Please consult a qualified professional specializing in gender-diverse healthcare to explore what might be suitable for your personal context.
